Mercedes-Benz SLK Review

The Review

Long Term Review (3 Years Plus) Cabriolets/Convertibles Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8 (360 Hp) 7G-TRONIC

Owner tells Twitter, why you need to have an SLK 55 AMG in your life!

Summary

There are very few cars in this world that I have wanted forever, but for whatever reason, have eluded me for exactly the same period of time! One of those such cars, and probably the MOST elusive, has been the mighty, and I do mean mighty Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG. I test drove a fine example some 15 or so years ago from a dealership in West London United Kingdom, and the hooligan in mean set the kid in me free in ways I never thought possible! My word, what a little pocket rocket! I was tearing up and down the motorway like I stole something, and like I owned the car. Pretty sure I scared the salesman half to death, because he wasn't selling me s***! In fact I didn't hear from him for the duration of the drive.... or...err.... ever again after that! BUT, it was soooooo worth it! Shoehorning this great v8 engine into the small and sporty SLK might have been the best thing that Mercedes has ever done. I wanted one, I still want one, and as soon as my 7 year old leaves home, I will own one. Alternatively, I just need to convince the other half that we don't all need to go out in the same car. Life goals!! Despite having a range of AMGs, which you can check out in my other reviews, the SLK is just special! Roof down, 4 pipes growling at you from not too far away from your ears! That's what driving is supposed to be. Sure there are faster cars, better handling cars, more economical cars, blah blah, but the SLK is not about making logical sense! There is a whole shelf for that! Its about setting that kid in you free, and doing it over and over again with a smile. Its about finding a reason to go driving! It's about sitting at the window like a puppy waiting for the sun to come out, or shouting F' it and grabbing a coat, scarf and wooly hat, and finishing your day with a smile!

So, rather than take my word for it, this review is from @hjwakerley from X (formerly Twitter), who kindly allowed us to share this on LoveCarReviews, ahead of saying farewell to her own SLK AMG. Saying good bye is never easy, Here's her review:


"I am going to tell you all why we shouldn’t be selling our SLK55 AMG.

You know that big joyful feeling that you get deep in your chest when you are driving a car that feels as though it is enjoying it too? It’s literally singing along with you, every sweeping corner is a charge and all worries are lost in the wind that rushes past. It is quite possibly the ultimate feeling of freedom and the very best therapy.

The little SLK has the biggest heart, a quite unnecessary (according to one review) 5.4L V8 that pushes out 355hp.

I’ll tell you now, ‘unnecessary’ is at the core of all my car purchases and I'd bet that most of us feel the same. This huge engine has no business being in a car this small and I worry that we will never see its like again. It is quite possible that the world is too sensible now for such silliness.

It is by no means perfect but those imperfections are actually what give it character. I am not technical enough to quote figures and facts but I can tell you that the word "Bombastic" suits it perfectly.

… and to think it was bought for a road trip because I’m an annoying passenger (ps it more than kept up with the Black and the rest of them

Performance and Handling

The performance and handling are perfect because it is so characterful!

Reliability and Running Costs

You don't get a huge amount of miles for your money, but a very reliable car.

Would I recommend it? YES